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how to improve?
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hi all
I’m what I would call an enthusiastic but frustrated beginner. I love to head out with my camera whenever I get an opportunity.
My problem is that I’ve read loads of books, been on a course, and take loads of what I think will make great shots. The problem is that when I get them on the computer the photos are far from great and never seem to adhere to anything I have read or learnt.
So where does one go from here?
Should I try and copy photos?
Do I just keep shooting until something clicks?Any suggestions appreciated.
Hi Dave,
Why not post some more of your images here on PI? If you ask for suggestions on what could be improved either at the taking or processing stage, you’ll generally get helpful advice – we were all beginners once after all! Who know’s your shots may even be a lot better than you think and you might be being a bit harsh on yourself, certainly the handful you’ve posted so far that I’ve had a look at aren’t bad at all – keep taking and posting.
John
Hi Dave,
Yes its best to post photos, I think people will be quicker to say why they like or dislike a photo, or suggest another angle/composition.
There are some well established photographers here, some who teach, but most people myself included are learning too, so don’t have the great answers yet, only what we like or not, or think would be good.There are also some tricks that you pick up, and its partly a matter of accumulating rules of thumb.
Had a look at your flickr photos, here’s what I think, but really it is better to post some shots. The water droplet photos, I think, should be taken at a horizontal to separate the background. Check out this guy
https://www.photographyireland.net/viewtopic.php?t=15556 , the first photo on that link breaks that rule, but its ok as the background is so pure. Use your open aperture with long focal length and low angle, to isolate the subject. And maybe some oranges.The colours on the water photos are great but in some of the other the colours can be a bit flat (eg your last 4 photos on flickr) because you have no sun. Photoshop can help.
You seem to find some interesting places, the old boats and derelict house, but you need to work on composition, step back from the subject, don’t use your zoom and apply the rule of thirds etc.
I use a 30mm prime on my 400D quite a bit, and I do think it help me with composition.I don’t wish to sound like i know something, but I do hope I can help. I too welcome all advice I can get.
I’m off out to try to take some street shot with my new lens, its been 2 weeks since I bought it, without getting a decent shot for what its intended.
Good luck!Martin
Thanks for the advice guys.
I’ll get a few shots over the weekend putting the advice into action and see what I come up with.
Hi Dave,
I had a look through your flickr. Your shots are all technically spot on. Sharp, usually well exposed, good colour etc. Compositionally they seem a little stiff- like you’re trying too hard. And some lack a clear subject/concept. So technically they are fine, but they have lack impact beyond that.
What do you love? What interests you that is not photography?
Have a read at this http://enhanced.lenswork.com/obpenhanced.pdf
The book is available from amazon and it is a fantastic read. A more reflective look at the thinking process of a photographer.
I hope that helps. Keep at it. You’ll get out of your rut and be a better photographer on the other side.
PeteThis might sound a bit silly, but the thing that improved my
photography was using a tripod.. (hope I’m not jumping the gun here)
I would suggest using one, slows you down, makes you think more
about composition.
If you don’t like your pictures, don’t delete them, have a good look at
them, figure out why you don’t like them and learn from your mistakes.Post here as well, but don’t take it to heart if people don’t like your
work.. Everyone has different taste!Sinead.
Sinead, I was just thinking the sand thing about using the tripod. At the moment I seem to just walk around thinking “oh that would be a good photo” and just take a quick snap.
Tomorrow morning I’m going to take my tripod and all the advice I can remember and try again.
I’ll try and post something here afterwards for some c&c.This and any more words of wisdom are much appreciated.
Good luck.. Looking forward to seeing your pictures, some good stuff on your flickr.
Sinead.
Dave,
I have been going through similar frustrations recently. I have read all the books, been on the courses, etc
I’d go out on a shoot and be really happy with the shot in the camera, then I’d come home and find the image was too lifeless, unsharp, etc.One of the best things I did, was joining the local camera club, there is lots of insight and knowledge in the people in these clubs.
A few other things that have helped me are –-
Guy Gowans – Photoshop retouching workflow
George Barr’s Essays – Taking Your Photography to the Next Level
Radiant Vista – The daily critique is excellent and they have some really good video tutorials.
Also, who are you taking photos for? Because the best images you will get, will be the images you are taking for yourself and that you are emotionally connected to.
Hope that helps
DarraghAs some folks have already said.
– Post more on PI for critique, you’ll get honest advice which will help you
– See if you can meet up some other members here or come along on one of the PI events
– Get out as often as you can to take photos, its the best way to improve.
– Ask questions here. No such thing as a silly question. We’re here to help, its our main purpose :)Mark wrote:
– See if you can meet up some other members here or come along on one of the PI events
– Get out as often as you can to take photos, its the best way to improve.Where do you live?
Hi Dave,
I’m in the same position. I’m doing a couple of thing to try and improve. One is the tripod, it really does slow you down and make you think a little more about your composition. It will also steady your shot.
The other is to pick a particular subject close to home,… I’ve picked my local church. It’s not far so I can go down and try a few shots with relative easy any time. I try a few shots, examine them when I get home and post here for c&c. Then the next time I go back, I can try the suggestions I get here. By using the same subject, I can see directly if it has made an improvement.Hope this helps
All the best,… Leo.
I think first you need to define what “improve” means Dave. I looked through your Flickr and it does hold a good range of subjects and types of photography. I’d agree with Pete above and Martin on the technical aspects – you’re images look well taken but you need to give them room. I think someone that takes a course and reads books on photography should differentiate the information given from being instruction to being a foundation to what you want to do in photography.
So, what is to “improve”? Keep looking at other photographers work and you’ll find a style you like. Try to replicate it and find out what prevents you from achieving exactly the same result. You’ll learn the techniques pre and post camera. Keep practicing until you know your camera and how to get the best from a situation. Then you’ll look at your previous work and see where you could have had a better position, different lighting condition, different composition, etc. Then you’ll realise you have “improved”, but probably more important, you’ve developed a style you like.
Opinions, like photography are subjective so you can ignore what I said. :wink:
Alan.
Since I am starting out also, please feel free to ignore my comment……my comment would be that its very difficult to take photos of Irish towns, or indeed countryside, on a dull day….light and shade makes a huge difference for me.
For example, old churches are dull and grey. By dull, I mean in a physical way, because of the stone…..as opposed to aluminium which is shiny and grey. They need light in my view, to make them interesting (for photography).
For what its worth, I think the photos of the drops are great, I love the colours.
Hey Dave, I think you have some pretty nice photos if ya ask me.
Your using an EOS 400D same as me :)Learn all the settings etc of the camera, and keep trying, I found that it took a while to adjust to my 400D. Take photos of what interests you and what you enjoy. Liam also made a good point, shoot when the light is interestin (Sunrise and Sunset)
As alan said try imitate others styles and find what methods you find easiest to get good results with,
Bottom line is keep trying new and different angles at things,
Keep up the good work :)
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